Small Communities

Medical Care

Did you know Kansas has the second most rural hospitals of any state in the country? To preserve this critical resource, Kansas created the Rural Emergency Hospital designation to make sure rural hospitals have the funding they need.

Education

Kansas ranks 6th with the most college students as a percentage of the state population, with public and private colleges and universities across the state – as well as access online.

Internet Access

Kansas ranks in the top 10 for Internet access in the U.S. based on accessibility and speed of connection. Through the Kansas Office of Broadband Development, the effort to keep Kansas well-connected is growing even stronger.

Small Community Spotlight

Humboldt
Two hours southwest of Kansas City is a town the New York Times calls “an unexpected and affordable oasis of cool surrounded by fields of wheat and soybeans.” A Bolder Humboldt has opened shops, community gardens and co-working spaces with a boutique hotel, a honky-tonk bar and bookstore all in the works.

ABILENE

The indomitable spirit of the early cowtown days lives on in Abilene, an energetic, vibrant community with a strong tradition of agriculture and manufacturing success — achievements powered by an exceptionally strong workforce and infrastructure pushing commerce throughout the country and world. Impressive historical sites, museums and cultural activities also drive Abilene, with the childhood home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum among the one-of-a-kind local attractions. Beautiful homes and excellent options for shopping and dining make a community Smithsonian Magazine included in its “Top 20 Best Small Towns to Visit” an ideal place for families and businesses.

Atchison

Atchison, a beautiful riverside town with cobblestone streets on the banks of the Missouri River in northeast Kansas, boasts an extraordinary past, exciting present and promising future. From fame as birthplace to Amelia Earhart, the world’s most famous aviatrix, to many other notable chapters in history, Atchison’s colorful past is showcased at five stellar museums and other points of interest that attract legions of visitors while enhancing quality of life for local residents. The town’s unique heritage and inspiration is alive and well today in its diverse housing and recreation opportunities, unwavering emphasis on excellent education and robust civic involvement — all strong suits for families and businesses looking for an ideal place to grow and flourish.

Cottonwood Falls

Nestled on the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, Cottonwood Falls offers natural beauty that’s ideal for an escape, along with the welcoming bustle of thriving businesses and eateries. Residents and visitors to Chase County can take in the largest undisturbed swath of the Flint Hills, including the federally protected Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Interesting history abounds as well, featuring the community’s prominent role in the stone trade and local quarrymen who made it possible. The influence and extensive use of limestone is reflected in many beautiful homes and businesses in Cottonwood Falls — all reminders of the uniqueness of the lovely, vibrant community known as The Heart of the Flint Hills.

Council Grove

Once an important stop on the Santa Fe Trail, Council Grove now boasts a wonderful blend of history and modern-day amenities that make the town a destination for people and businesses alike. From an inviting downtown district to more than 25 interesting historic spots, the Council Grove community flaunts a friendly charm that never goes out of style. Amenities such as the Neosho Riverwalk contribute to outstanding local quality of life, with rich history on display at attractions such as the Last Chance Store on the Santa Fe Trail. There’s much more to see and do in Council Grove, an inviting place to live, work and prosper.

Dodge City

Dodge City boasts an extraordinary blend of interesting, colorful history and modern, appealing amenities that make the community an inviting destination for families, visitors and businesses. With the glow of the past, present and future evident in strong agricultural roots and excellent recreational opportunities, this southwest Kansas gem makes the most of a gritty western spirit that’s powered the community for generations. Now known for high quality of life, cultural diversity, affordable cost of living and a hard working labor force, Dodge City has earned its reputation as an ideal place to prosper.

Humboldt

In Humboldt, an unwavering can-do spirit has fueled a renaissance that’s a model for other small towns in Kansas. At the center of it all is Humboldt’s revitalized town square, which has helped the rural Kansas community blossom into a bona fide travel destination. The New York Times singled out Humboldt as one of its “52 Places” to visit worldwide, calling it “an unexpected and affordable oasis of cool surrounded by fields of wheat and soybeans.” In the face of tough times, an amazing burst of civic involvement put Humboldt on the path to prosperity. Local quality of life is thriving, thanks to A Bolder Humboldt entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities that make Humboldt an outstanding destination for families and businesses.

Louisburg

Vibrant quality-of-life amenities have positioned Louisburg for ongoing growth and future prosperity. A quick look showcases a variety of strong suits, from an array of beautiful parks and lakes to the Louisburg Cider Mill, Cedar Cove, Rutlader Outpost and local wineries. Louisburg also sits on the 168-mile stretch of highway known as the Frontier Military Scenic Byway, which harkens back to the days when the historic route was used by soldiers, immigrants, missionaries, traders, outlaws and other travelers. Quality of life comes first in a town proud of its modern schools, diverse choices for shopping and dining, and friendly places for families and businesses to call home.

McPherson

Thanks to local strengths and an enthusiastic spirit of innovation in economic development, McPherson is emerging into an industrial hub of the Great Plains. Quality of life also stands out in McPherson, where unique cultural and recreational opportunities helped the community make USA Today’s list of America’s 50 Best Cities to Live. Growth in education and career opportunities — McPherson is home to McPherson College and Central Christian College — and ongoing housing development reflect this impressive distinction, and appealing electric rates are a strong selling point when businesses come calling — making McPherson’s all-out, energetic approach instrumental in the community’s continued growth and prosperity.

St. Marys

In St. Marys, small-town charm and a powerful plan for growth help attract families and businesses from across the nation. The town’s beautiful Catholic architecture and historic significance — St. Marys is located on the legendary Oregon Trail — are among the hallmarks of a community where there’s much to see and appreciate, from the Louis Vieux Historical Site to the Oregon Trail Nature Park and Silo Mural. Home to St. Mary’s Academy and College, St. Marys also is well-known for its strong educational tradition. The foundation for success has spawned local businesses with national reputations, with St. Marys poised to attract still more business startups, expansions and relocations.

Wamego

In Wamego, the local script proclaims “Small Town, Big Experience,” and for good reason. The community’s amazing homage to “The Wizard of Oz,” featuring the OZ Museum and related attractions and events, have created a hub for visitors interested in everything Wizard of Oz. Totos Around Town — a variety of statues of the iconic movie canine — represent yet another fun-spirited nod to the timeless film classic. But there’s so much more beyond the Yellow Brick Road in Wamego, where an eclectic mix of historical attractions, shopping, dining and housing choices present a truly technicolor appeal to families and companies looking for an ideal place to grow and prosper.